Ex-Liverpool Captain Claims Jurgen Klopp Doesn't Need to Chase Virgil Van Dijk This Summer
Former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia has insisted Liverpool don't need to spend a huge sum of money on a new centre-back this summer, insisting that the quality of the current crop of centre-backs should suffice.
Hyypia - who was Reds captain up until being replaced by Steven Gerrard in 2003 - has been impressed with the partnership of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip at points last season.
As quoted by the Daily Star, Hyypia was of the opinion that the current plethora of centre backs at the club should be enough to result in a successful season for Jurgen Klopp's side. "I think we have good enough centre-backs at the moment", said the Finn. "If we keep them all fit and healthy then I think we will be okay.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur (C), Dejan Lovren of Liverpool (L) and Joel Matip of Liverpool all watch the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Jan Kruger/GettyImages
The 43-year-old Hyypia made over 100 appearances for Finland and won the FA Cup twice and Champions League, during his ten-year spell with Liverpool.
"Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip did well when they played together last season. They are good enough to play a good season together and i'm sure we'll concede less goals than we did last season," he added.
Liverpool's eagerness to sign a new centre-back resulted in public humiliation last month, as their pursuit of in-demand Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk was intercepted by the Saints claiming Liverpool had acted in an improper manner.
Liverpool issues a public apology to Southampton, and notified that they wouldn't be continuing their interest in the Belgian defender. Despite this, Klopp is still thought to be interested in Van Dijk, with the player reportedly attempting to push through a move at his end.
Liverpool's current group of centre-backs consists of Lovren and Matip, as well as Ragnar Klavan, Joe Gomez, and Mamadou Sakho, who returned for pre-season after a fruitful loan spell at Crystal Palace at the back end of last season.
Sakho, fell out of favour with Klopp last season over disciplinary issues, but against the odds may have been offered a lifeline by the German manager, who said: "First of all, he needs to get 100% fit and then we will see".
